Hired For A B-Day Party...Question About Model Releases

[DavidSR]

Hey guys,

I was hired to shoot a b-day/wine tasting party next weekend of about 30 people and was wondering what you guys do in this situation. Do you go around have everyone sign your model release? Is it ok to just have the person throwing the party sign? Does it even matter? lol...The way the person hiring me is describing the event is that these will most likely be candid photographs and she said she is sure some people will not mind posing. I was planning on taking my lightstand, vivitar 285HV, umbrella and some extra rechargeable batteries.

I will be shooting for about 2 hours, but is what I'm taking a bit overkill? I don't have a fast lens and my XTi doesn't do great in low light and the customer would like these to be a special gift for the b-day girl and guests. What would you do in my situation? I told her I will take 25% to be paid now, 25% to be paid at the party and the remainder to be paid when the pictures are delivered.

Thanks for the help!!

[WMS]

Making the critical assumption that there is not going to be any commercial usage of the photographs I doubt that model releases are going to be necessary. I would advise the guests that you are there taking photos and why, although with a flash on a stand I suspect that this is going to be obvious.

Wayne

[DavidSR]

Thanks for the comment!! Would it be unprofessional to have a model release at the entrance and have the guests sign that?

Thanks again!!

[Milamu'g]

Would it be unprofessional to have a model release at the entrance and have the guests sign that?

Thanks again!!

Imo, yes! The only reason for you to acquire model releases is if you want to commercially exploit the images, (ie submit to stock agencies). You're hired to shoot a b'day party, just leave it at that.

[DavidSR]

Yeah, that's true. I'm sure I'll get some business from the guests anyways..Now, lets keep our fingers crossed!

[DDCSD]

Yeah, you'll freak people out by having them sign model releases.

[Ook]

I wouldn't bother; do bring some cards though.

[jhcanon]

Good ole US paranoia strikes again :)
Do you really need a release for seomething like tis in "the land of the free"!

[DDCSD]

Good ole US paranoia strikes again :)
Do you really need a release for seomething like tis in "the land of the free"!

Huh? Bit uncalled for, don't you think?

[jhcanon]

Hi DDCSD - apologies if any offenc caused.
But it does seem that some of the requirements in the US copmpared with other countries (particularly around Europe) are Draconian and restrictive for a country that so values freedom ;)

[Nouks]

I'd agree on not using the photos in a commercial and just shooting the party. When someone doesn't want to be on the photo you'd probably notice soon enough.

[DDCSD]

Hi DDCSD - apologies if any offenc caused.
But it does seem that some of the requirements in the US copmpared with other countries (particularly around Europe) are Draconian and restrictive for a country that so values freedom ;)

If you read the thread, the OP was curious as to whether or not he needed a release or not. It was pointed out that he did not unless he intended to use the photos commercially, same as pretty much any other country.

Again, the photographer is not required to get a model release signed to take someone's photo at a party here in "The Land of the Free".




No reason to take a jab at a country (without merit) just because someone from that country asks if something is required.